Life Fitness Celebrates Expansion of Cybex’s Minnesota Factory
Posted: February 23, 2017 in Suppliers
Life Fitness
OWATONNA, MN – Life Fitness, a global leader in commercial fitness equipment, held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its Cybex facility in Owatonna, Minnesota, on February 23, to celebrate the completion of a 150,000-square-foot expansion. Life Fitness leadership, employees and leaders of the Owatonna community participated in the ceremony.
Completed in February, the expanded facility now totals 490,000 square feet. The expansion, coupled with an investment in automation and technology, dramatically increases the facility’s overall manufacturing capacity to support the continued growth of the fitness industry.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the completed expansion to the Cybex facility in Owatonna,” said Scott Darsow, Vice President of Global Manufacturing for Life Fitness. “This expansion is our second in Minnesota in two years, and we produce more products in the state than anywhere in the world. With this expansion, we’re underscoring our commitment to growing our global manufacturing footprint and to growth in the local community.”
The Cybex Owatonna facility has been a part of the community for nearly a decade; and the expansion is on its way to creating more than 100 job opportunities for the community in disciplines such as welding, fabrication, powder coat painting and assembly. Additionally, the project invested $11 million in construction costs with Minnesota-based contractors.
The City of Owatonna approved a tax increment financing (TIF) agreement to help facilitate project construction, and the State of Minnesota granted a deed for a job creation award and capital investment rebate.
“The city and state have been critical partners in supporting the expansion of the facility,” said John Champa, senior director of manufacturing operations at Cybex. “We greatly appreciate their unwavering support and are looking forward to continuing our relationship of growth with the community.”
Continuing its support of community growth in Owatonna, Life Fitness also announced the company will be donating $10,000 to the Owatonna Foundation. The Owatonna Foundation continues to make major contributions to the welfare of the Owatonna community, and primarily focuses on four areas including community, education, the arts and recreation. Owatonna Foundation distributes charitable gifts through grants and scholarships, and 100 percent of the money given stays in Owatonna.
The Cybex Owatonna factory produces more than 200 varieties of high-end commercial fitness products, including strength machines and the popular Cybex Arc Trainer. Life Fitness also has factories in Ramsey, MN; Franklin Park, IL; Falmouth, KY; Tulsa, OK; Bristol, WI; Delavan, WI; Medway, MA and Kiskoros, Hungary. Life Fitness is headquartered in Rosemont, IL.
